If Everything Ends, Why Do We Keep Trying? The Gita on the Purpose of Action

We live in a world where everything is transient—empires rise and fall, relationships bloom and wither, and even the greatest human achievements fade with time. Knowing this, why do we continue striving? Why do we wake up each morning and push forward despite the certainty of impermanence?

This question is not new; it has puzzled thinkers, philosophers, and seekers for centuries. Some find comfort in material success, while others seek meaning through spirituality. Yet, the Bhagavad Gita provides a perspective that transcends both—it urges us to act, not for rewards, but because action itself is sacred.
Modern society conditions us to measure success through results. A high-paying job, a luxurious house, admiration from others—these are the markers of achievement. But the Gita challenges this notion, reminding us that attachment to outcomes is the root of suffering.

Consider an artist painting a masterpiece. If they focus only on whether the painting will be appreciated, they lose the joy of creation. But if they paint for the sake of expressing themselves, they experience true freedom. This is what the Gita teaches—our duty is to act, to give our best, without obsessing over results.

The moment we detach from the fruit of our labor, we liberate ourselves from anxiety and disappointment. Work ceases to be a burden and becomes an act of devotion, a practice of self-improvement, and a journey rather than a means to an end.
Humans have an inherent desire for permanence. We build monuments, strive for legacies, and cling to relationships, hoping to defy the inevitable. Yet, history reminds us that nothing is truly permanent. Civilizations crumble, leaders fall, and even the greatest works of art eventually fade.

The Gita urges us to accept this reality rather than resist it. Attachment to the temporary is a source of endless suffering. Instead of seeking permanence in the external world, we should focus on cultivating inner wisdom, which is the only thing that truly endures.

If nothing lasts forever, what truly matters? The answer lies in how we live, how we treat others, and how we evolve through our experiences.

In today’s world, success is often dictated by external standards. Social media bombards us with images of what life “should” look like—wealth, fame, luxury. We are constantly told to chase what others have, to compare, to compete.

But the Gita offers a different wisdom: Your path is yours alone.

Each person has a unique dharma—their true calling, their responsibility, their way of contributing to the world. For one, it might be healing others; for another, it might be creating, teaching, or leading. Society’s definition of success is irrelevant if it does not align with one’s true self.

When we live in alignment with our dharma, life’s impermanence no longer feels like a curse. Instead, it becomes an opportunity—to live authentically, to fulfill our highest potential, and to leave a positive impact in ways that truly matter.
The modern world thrives on instant gratification. We expect immediate rewards for our efforts, and when results do not show up quickly, we feel discouraged. However, the Gita teaches that every action—no matter how small—leaves an imprint.

Every kind word spoken, every deed done with sincerity, every moment of effort contributes to a larger flow of energy. Even if we do not see immediate results, our actions shape our consciousness and the world around us.

Think of a tree growing from a seed. It takes time, patience, and the right environment. The roots form before the leaves appear, and the fruit takes even longer. Similarly, the results of our actions may not always be visible, but they accumulate, shaping our destiny.

The law of karma reassures us that no effort is ever wasted. Whether in this life or another, the energy we put into the world returns to us. This understanding gives us strength to keep going, even when challenges seem insurmountable.
The need for control is one of the greatest sources of human suffering. We want certainty—guarantees that our efforts will pay off, that our relationships will last, that life will unfold according to our plans. But reality often defies our expectations.

The Gita teaches that true peace lies in surrender—not in the sense of giving up, but in trusting the higher order of existence.

Surrendering does not mean being passive. It means acting with full dedication, but without attachment to the outcome. When we embrace this mindset, life’s uncertainties become less daunting. We learn to adapt, to accept, and to move forward with grace.

So, if everything ends, why do we keep trying?

Because effort is not about winning or losing—it is about becoming. The Gita does not promise permanence, but it does promise purpose. It teaches that our duty is to act—not because we are guaranteed success, but because living itself is a sacred act.

Every moment, every action, every choice adds to the tapestry of existence. The world does not need us to be perfect; it simply needs us to be present, to contribute, and to evolve.

So, will you keep chasing temporary rewards, or will you embrace the deeper beauty of action itself?

The choice is yours.